Keeping up with the baby 273
Keeping up with the baby
When babies first learn to crawl and walk by themselves, it can be difficult for any
mother or father to keep up! Running and walking is a healthy thing for growing
babies to do. And when they are first learning, they fall down a lot. Do not be
concerned about this. It is a normal part of a young child’s development.
If you cannot move quickly
Small babies can move with remarkable speed, and it
is easy for them to get hurt. So, if you cannot
run after your baby to keep him away
from dangerous situations—like
running in front of a car or
into the cooking fire—tie a
string around the baby’s wrist so
that you can quickly pull the baby
back to safety. The string can also be tied
around your waist if you are unable to hold it with
your hand.
If you have trouble seeing or you are blind
When the baby is very small, sleep together with him in the
same bed. This way you will always know what he needs and
where he is.
As the baby grows and starts to move about by himself, by
crawling and then walking, tie something that makes a noise
onto the baby’s ankle or wrist (such as a small bell or a seed
pod). Then you can always hear him and know where he is.
Also, make a space where the baby can move around and play
without hurting himself. Make sure there are no sharp edges or
corners on anything in the space. Put a barrier in the entryway
between rooms and at any steps or doors leading out of the
house so the baby cannot leave his safe space by himself.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007